Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Broth
A deeply flavored tomato broth where tomatoes slowly release their sweetness into a fragrant herb-infused base. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs diced tomatoes, finely diced onion, chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced onion and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 cups diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, breaking them down with a spoon until they form a thick sauce.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups vegetable broth and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, stirring once, until flavors meld and broth is deeply aromatic.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Broth take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Broth?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Broth?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Broth for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Broth vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
